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Pilot Reports Turbulent Winds During Landing; Airplane Departs Runway (N8782V)

Monroe, MI, US

On March 6, 1997, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N8782V) was involved in an aviation accident near Monroe, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing. Factors included the inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions, the crosswind, and gusts. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during a landing on runway 21 with crosswinds from 280° at 18 gusting 25 mph, the airplane slammed down from 3-5 feet, pitched left, departed the runway, and struck VASI lights before stopping in a ditch. No flight control or engine anomalies were found.

Accident Sequence

The pilot prepared to land on runway 21. The winds were from 280 degrees at 18 mph, gusting to 25 mph. To counter the right crosswind, the pilot applied right aileron and left rudder. On short final, the airplane was established on the centerline at 90 to 95 mph. During the flare, the pilot reduced power. When the airplane was about 3 to 5 feet above the runway, it slammed down onto the pavement. The airplane then pitched over to the left and departed the runway to the left. It struck the second row of VASI lights. Skid marks indicated that full brakes were applied. The airplane continued turning left and entered a ditch that paralleled the runway.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that a large stand of trees approximately 600 feet from the runway to the west created a turbulent wind situation at the approach end of runway 21.

Inspection

Inspection of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the flight controls or the engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 1997 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Monroe, MI?

A pilot reported that during a landing on runway 21 with crosswinds from 280° at 18 gusting 25 mph, the airplane slammed down from 3-5 feet, pitched left, departed the runway, and struck VASI lights before stopping in a ditch. No flight control or engine anomalies were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Mar 1997 Bellanca 17-30A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 1997 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N8782V, at Monroe, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing. Factors included the inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions, the crosswind, and gusts.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07502. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.